Byesville Rotary learns Southeastern Med active in cancer screening and patient support

Pictured: Shana Fair, Speaker Host; Jen Fannin, Manager of Cancer Registry Services at Southeastern Med; and Oziel Jeffries, Byesville Rotary President Elect.

Jen Fannin, Manager of the Cancer Registry Services at Southeastern Med, explained that part of her job is to collect cancer data and track cancer patients in Guernsey County. She reassured club members that all patient information gathered is confidential.

Fannin reported that about 200 new cancer cases are diagnosed every year in Guernsey County. The most common diagnoses are breast, colon and lung. Southeastern Med is working to make a difference in cancer patient outcomes by being proactive in providing in screening for breast and colon cancer.

Southeastern Med offers free colonoscopy screenings based on income. Some patients qualify for a free colonoscopy while others will pay only a small per cent of the cost. At present, Southeastern Med is holding contest to give away a free colonoscopy. This contest is open to everyone no matter what their income. The drawing will be Monday, May 14. Registration forms are available in the hospital lobby.

The Power Me Pink Project, allows Southeastern Med to offer free clinical breast exams and mammograms to low income women. This program, which is funded by the Komen organization, provides about 30 free screenings a month. Additionally, Southeastern Med would like to begin providing screening for skin cancer.

Fannin said that people diagnosed with cancer often, “…feel alone and angry and are affected by feelings of grief.” She pointed out the Cancer Committee at Southeastern Med is dedicated to providing spiritual and emotional support to cancer patients, their caregivers, and friends. They have established several groups aimed at helping anyone affected by cancer.

Fannin and Nancy Neff are co-facilitators for the Cancer Copers group which meets every 2ed Thursday of the month at 6:00pm at the Community Health Link. Each month different speakers discuss a topic related to cancer. This group welcomes walk-ins and everyone affected by cancer. The Breast Cancer Support Group, facilitated by Deb Leonard, meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm at the community Health Link.

Fannin pointed out that if people are not comfortable joining a group, they can ask to talk to someone on a one to one basis. Cancer patients are matched with a cancer survivor who is willing to share his or her experience. Southeastern Med also hosts a Cancer Resource Center which is open daily and provides all kinds of free information about cancer.

Byesville Rotary meets every Tuesday, 7:30 am, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary is welcome to attend a meeting or call 740-685-3828, or 740-685-8294

Byesville Rotary supports youth baseball

Pictured: Byesville Rotary Treasurer, Chuck Fair, presents check for dugout benches to Rolling Hills Youth Baseball League for their new field. Chuck Fair, Byesville Rotary; Haydon Loy representing the Rolling Hills Youth Baseball League; and Tanya Hitchens, Byesville Rotary President.

Byesville Rotary learns colonoscopies save lives

Pictured: Tanya Hitchens, Byesville Rotary President; Dr. Sarap, SEOMC; Shana Fair, Speaker Host.

Dr. Sarap, surgeon at Southeastern Med, spoke to the club about colorectal cancer. This type of cancer is the 2ed leading cause of cancer death. In Guernsey County, over 53% of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are not diagnosed until the disease is in its late stages of development. This means that a person’s survival rate drops to about 8%. The survival rate in Guernsey County is one of the worst in the state of Ohio.

If caught early, up to 90% of colorectal cancer patients survive. Early screening, which should begin at age 50 for most people, can prevent colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy screening allows a doctor to identify and remove pre-cancerous polyps or catch cancer at an early stage.

If early screening can prevent colorectal cancer and increase a person’s chances of surviving the disease from 8% to between 85% and 90%, why are only half of people over 50 years of age getting screened?

Dr. Sarap explained there are three obstacles to getting screened: 1) lack of patient and doctor awareness of the need for screening; 2) lack of access to health care and insurance; and 3) fear of embarrassment.

In response to the problem of colorectal cancer in Guernsey County, Dr. Sarap and a group of dedicated individuals formed a task force—now named the Tina Kiser Colorectal Cancer Coalition. Their mission was to inform Guernsey County residents about the dangers of colorectal cancer and about the effectiveness of colonoscopy screening.

The Coalition worked in four different areas to implement their mission. They began to educate local physicians about colonoscopy screening and to raise public awareness about the disease. The purchase of a giant pink colon is one of the most visible of the Coalition’s public education efforts. The Coalition also actively advocates for cancer support services at the state level.

Additionally, the Coalition works to provide colonoscopy screening for free or at a reduced cost for indigent patients. This program is unique in Ohio. Fifteen counties in Ohio have referred patients to Guernsey County for this free service.

The Coalition’s efforts have yielded positive results. In Guernsey County, the number of colonoscopy screenings has increased by 22% in the last three years. People are more aware of the dangers of colorectal cancer and have begun to ask their family doctors about the need for screening. All of this means that cancer deaths from colorectal cancer are being reduced in Guernsey County.

Dr. Sarap stated that the aggressive actions taken in Guernsey County prove that …”organizational, financial, and social commitment” can remove the barriers between people and better colorectal health.

Byesville Rotary meets every Tuesday, 7:30 am, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary is welcome to attend a meeting or call 740-685-3828, or 740-685-8294.

In spring Byesville Rotary’s thoughts turn to---baseball

Pictured: Tanya Hitchens, Byesville Rotary President; Kellie Loy, speaker; and Chuck Fair, speaker host.

In a short business meeting, club members were asked to sign up to work at the club’s first chicken BBQ of the season will be held Saturday, April 28, at the Rotary Gazebo at the corner of Main and 2ed. streets in Byesville. Chicken sales will begin between 9:30 and 10:00am and continue until chickens are gone.

Three person golf teams are being sought for the club’s annual Scholarship Golf Scramble which is scheduled for Sunday, May 6, at Wildfire Golf Course in New Concord. The event starts at 8:00am. One club goal is to encourage Meadow Brook students to attend college. Funds raised by the scramble are used to provide scholarships for local graduating seniors. For more information or to register for the event contact, Trevor Black, 740-9747, Trent Black, 740-680-5410, or Larry Miller, 740-260-2216.

Kellie Loy, representing the Rolling Hills Youth Baseball League, visited the club. She reported that the summer league for kids has changed homes. This league includes T-ball for boys and girls ages 5-6; Coach Pitch for boys ages 7-8; Minor Kid Pitch for boys ages 9-10; and Major Kid Pitch for boys ages 11-12. The league serves kids from Byesville, Lore city, and Senecaville.

Loy explained that the field the League was using was sold which required the League to find a new location for a field. They are now leasing land near Beech Grove off of Southgate.

Loy stated that this area had a pre-existing field which needed extensive re-development. Facilities that need updated or replaced include the backstop, the chain link fence surrounding the field, equipment to maintain the field, reconstruction of the field, the construction of 2 dug-outs, and a storage building.

The Rolling Hills Youth Baseball League began practice on the partially completed field at the beginning of April. The organization is still looking for funding to complete their project. Loy pointed out the Rolling Hills Youth Baseball League is not associated with the Rolling Hills Local School District. Anyone interested in supporting youth baseball in southern Guernsey County can contact Jeff Loy or Natalie Ford (740-630-5083), Co-treasurers of the organization.

Interact members, Rylie Janczarek and John Janczarek, from Meadow Brook High School attended the meeting.

Byesville Rotary meets every Tuesday, 7:30 am, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary is welcome to attend a meeting or call 740-685-3828, or 740-685-8294.

Pictured: Chuck Fair, Byesville Rotary Treasurer; Four Way speech contestants-- Miranda Miser, Annie Kackley, Brittany Shelton, and Brook Aleshir;, and; Oziel Jeffries, President-Elect.

Byesville Rotary held a Four Way Test Speech competition at their morning meeting. Four students from Meadow Brook High School participated: Brooke Aleshire, Annie Kackley, Miranda Miser, and Brittany Shelton.

The Four-Way Test speaking contest challenges students to think about how personal ethics affects their lives. The 24 words the students are asked to present a speech on are: 1) Is it the truth? 2) Is it fair to all concerned? 3) Will it build good will and better friendships? And 4) Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Each student competing in the speech contest gave a 5-7 minute original speech in which the student applied the Rotary Four-Way Test to everyday relationships. Students were evaluated on speech content, organization, and delivery.

After hearing speeches from each contestant, Byesville Rotary chose Annie Kackley to represent the club at the District contest. Annie was presented with a check for $150. Brittany, Brooke and Miranda were presented with checks for $100.

Sharon Miller, Interact club advisor for Meadow Brook, invited rotary club members to the Interact Induction which will take place April 3 at 7:30 in the Meadow Brook High School library.

She reported that 2 Interact students have applied for scholarship being offered by Rotary district 6690. Two other students will be attending RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership

Byesville Rotary meets every Tuesday, 7:30 am, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary is welcome to attend a meeting or call 740-685-3828, or 740-685-8294.

Byesville Rotary reviews spring projects

At the April business meeting, members were updated on recent and upcoming projects.

Jim Vaughan reported that Breakfast with the Easter Bunny went very well. Over 200 adults and children enjoyed the pancake breakfast. Phyllis Jeffries reported that the club grossed about $1000.

Planning for the Byesville Rotary and Southeastern Med’s 11th annual health screen is complete. Phone registration at 740-435-2900 will begin on Monday, April 16, at 9:00 am. Club members were reminded that no walk-ins will be accepted.

Planning for the club’s first chicken BBQ hit some snags. The BBQ has been rescheduled for April 28. It will continue to be held at the Rotary Gazebo at the corner of Main and 2ed. streets in Byesville.

Larry Miller reported that the Byesville Rotary Scholarship Golf Scramble is scheduled for Sunday, May 6, at Wildfire Golf Course in New Concord. This is a three-person scramble event set for a shotgun start at 8:00 am. Larry encouraged all club members to start forming their teams.

Entry is $55 per team member and can be paid at registration on the 6th. Business are invited to sponsor teams at $165 per team. The entry fee covers the cost of the cart, greens fees, refreshments and dinner catered by T&J Market. Cash prizes are $300, $200, and $100 for first, second, and third place teams. Proximity prizes and Mulligans will also be included. Funds raised are used to provide scholarships to local students.

The Scholarship Committee has received and reviewed scholarship applications from Meadow Brook seniors. Committee members will be interviewing finalists next week.

Joe Waske reported that the 25th Anniversary Celebration Committee has finalized plans for the club’s celebration which will be held June, 28, at Theo’s. He is continuing to search for the names and addresses of all charter members and past presidents. Invitations will be sent out as he has addresses.

Guests at the meeting were Bill McCoach, Assistant District Governor, and Meadow Brook Interact club members Kyle Dolan, Kaila Czigans, and Andrea Kackley.

Byesville Rotary meets every Tuesday, 7:30 am, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary is welcome to attend a meeting or call 740-685-3828, or 740-685-8294.

Meadowbrook Interact Club inducts 30 new members

Picture 1—Interact newly inducted members: Row 1--John Janczerek, Matt Miller, Chris Eibel; Row 2--Bri Epperson, Lane Browning, Johnny Sherman, Colin Harding, Trae Hines; Row 3-- Samantha Roe, Alyssa Harding, Paige McKirahan. Not pictured: Chasidy Brooker, Chrissie Dodd, Kyle Dolan, Hunter Dyer, Sarah Fehrman, Baylee Graham, Cierra Hoyt, Cory Jones, Christian Kirkman, Sumer Reese, Dalton Singleton, Logan Stillion, Paige Taylor, Mitch Wallace.

Picture 2--Service Above Self Award: Row 1--Michael Fedorke, Johnny Sherman, Brooke Aleshire, Matt Miller, Trae Hines; Row 2—Alex Eckelson, Kaila Czigans, Trislyn Treherne, Chris Eibel, Brittany Nixon, Karli Tellep; Tessa Bickford. Not pictured: Kyle Dolan, Brittany Shelton, Erin Smith, Mitch Wallace.

The Meadow Brook Interact Club welcomed new members at an induction ceremony held at the high school. Byesville Rotary sponsors the Meadowbrook club. Many members attended the induction in order to recognize Interact club members for their willingness to serve the community.


Interact club members established a requirement that students interested in joining must participate in at least 2 service projects during the year in order to qualify for induction. Many students participated in more than 2 activities.

Interact service projects for the year included a “Purple Pinkie” fund raiser. Club members raised over $300 which was donated to the Rotary International effort to eradicate polio. The club also sponsored an Angel Tree drive to insure that every Rolling Hills elementary student would receive gifts from Santa over Christmas.

Interact worked with the DECA club to sponsor a talent show at the high school. The show raised about $500. The Interact club plans to use their half toward the purchase of a Shelter Box. These distinctive green boxes were developed to be delivered to disaster sites. The boxes contain basic tools and supplies that people need for survival after a disaster hits.

The club also collected and delivered 4000 cans of food to the Byesville Rotary Christmas Food Basket program.

Guest speakers at the induction included Tanya Hitchens, Byesville Rotary president, Keith Arnold, Meadow Brook principal, and Dalton Summers, Rolling Hills superintendent. Mr. Summers was pleased by the number of students involved in Interact. He recommended the students “...be proud of what you are doing. Service to the community is very important.”

Sharon Miller, Interact advisor presented16 students with “Service Above Self” awards. This award recognized students who went over and above the club requirements by participating in almost every service activity.

Several students were not able to attend the induction because they were attending post-secondary class at nearby college campuses.

Byesville Rotary meets every Tuesday, 7:30 am, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary is welcome to attend a meeting or call 740-685-3828, or 740-685-8294.